Donegal County Council and Donegal Tourism are celebrating a highly successful start to TBEX, the world’s largest travel blogger conference.
The first day of the event, which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, was met with enthusiasm as over 15 tours showcased the best of the county to a global audience of travel writers, bloggers, and industry professionals.
The two days of “PreBex” tours allowed attendees to fully immerse themselves in the unique beauty and culture of Donegal. From the rugged coastline to historic sites and vibrant local communities, participants were given a taste of what makes the county a must-visit destination. Organsiers expressed a “huge thank you” to all the incredible tourism businesses for providing such wonderful experiences to the visitors and showcasing the very best of Donegal.
The day’s activities culminated in a spectacular welcome reception for speakers and sponsors at Rockhill House Estate.
Guests were treated to an unforgettable evening featuring traditional music by Claddagh Rua, a spectacular Irish Dancing show, a captivating display by Birds of Prey Donegal, and a traditional piper.
Donegal Tourism Providers, Councillors and Council Staff with TBEX delegates at the start of the TBEX Europe 2025 hosted by Donegal County Council in Rockhill House on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Eabha Nolan with the Harris Hawk at the start of the TBEX Europe 2025 hosted by Donegal County Council in Rockhill House on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Paul Canning, extended a heartfelt Céad Míle Fáilte to the TBEX guests. “We are incredibly proud to be hosting this event and to have the opportunity to show you all the very best of our stunning county,” he said. “The world’s top travel bloggers and industry professionals are gathered here, and your presence is a testament to the beauty, culture, and spirit of Donegal. We hope that you will be inspired by our rugged coastline, our rich history, and our vibrant community. We also hope that you get to experience the true meaning of a ‘céad míle fáilte,’ a hundred thousand welcomes.”
Rick Calvert, CEO TBEX seated centre with Elected Members, Council Staff, Local Organisers and Supporters at the start of the TBEX Europe 2025 hosted by Donegal County Council in Rockhill House on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Rick Calvert, CEO of TBEX, praised the warm reception and the quality of the Donegal experience. “The energy and excitement from our attendees after just the first day here in Donegal have been phenomenal,” Calvert said. “The welcome event at Rockhill House was truly special. The combination of the beautiful setting, fantastic food, and unique local entertainment—from the birds of prey to the amazing music and dancing—made our speakers and sponsors feel incredibly welcome and special. Donegal has truly set the bar high.”
The conference will continue on Thursday and Friday at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Letterkenny, where attendees will participate in sessions and workshops designed to inspire and educate.
Blogggers and Content creators at the start of the TBEX Europe 2025 hosted by Donegal County Council in Rockhill House on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Cllr Paul Canning, Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council and Shane Dallas TBEX at the start of the TBEX Europe 2025 hosted by Donegal County Council in Rockhill House on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Kim Hay and Alistair Hay Emerald Guitars with delegates at the start of the TBEX Europe 2025 hosted by Donegal County Council in Rockhill House on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Birds of Prey demonstration at the start of the TBEX Europe 2025 hosted by Donegal County Council in Rockhill House on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Bloggers and content creators at the start of the TBEX Europe 2025 hosted by Donegal County Council in Rockhill House on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Anne Marie Conlon, Head of Econominc Development Donegal County Council, Mary Daly, Senior Tourism Development Officer and Kathryn Molloy, Rockhill House at the start of the TBEX Europe 2025 hosted by Donegal County Council in Rockhill House on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson
Gallery: Donegal rolls out the welcome mat for TBEX was last modified: September 11th, 2025 by Contributor
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